Judy Joo opens Jinjuu

Judy Joo

Posted on 09 January 2015 • Written By Dominic Rowntree

Chef and television presenter Judy Joo is opening Jinjuu on 15 January 2015, bringing a new kind of KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) to the capital. The restaurant is currently in soft launch, but here’s the low-down on this exciting new venture.

Touristy Kingly Court has become quite the dining destination of late, with the likes of Pizza Pilgrims, Shoryu, Wright Brothers and Dehesa all setting up camp just round the corner from Carnaby Street. New arrival Jinjuu brings some Korean flavours to the party, with the emphasis on drinks and ‘anju’ (Korean food consumed with alcohol). Sharing platters are available downstairs, with the open kitchen offering barbecued meats and specialities such as carnitas (fries topped with braised pork and kimchi), while upstairs is the place for Korean tacos and their signature fried chicken. To drink, try an Asian beer or a Seoul Sour cocktail (soju, ginseng spirit, honey and lavender syrup with egg white and fresh yuzu juice).

American-born Judy Joo, who used to head the kitchens at the Playboy Club, has had a high-rolling career both as a chef and television presenter. Having worked in many of Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants, as well as The Fat Duck and French Laundry, she was offered the role as resident judge on the hit American TV show The Next Iron Chef. She now has her own show on the Food Network called Korean Made Simple.